Where would you like to sign in?

Jose Iturbi International Music Competition Offers Pianists and Singers More Than $250,000 in Prizes

Application Deadline Is May 1, 2007

HOLLYWOOD, CA--(CCNMatthews - April 10, 2007) - May 1, 2007 is the deadline for applications for pianists and singers to compete in The Jose Iturbi International Music Competition 2007, scheduled to take place June 17 - 23, 2007 in Los Angeles at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall. Applications may be completed and submitted at www.joseiturbifoundation.org. The contest is the highest-paying of any piano and singing competition worldwide.

The competition is open to pianists and singers of any nationality born between January 1, 1976 and January 1, 1989. Admission to the preliminary round of the competition will be limited to a maximum of 24 applicants. 12 pianists and 12 singers will advance to the semi-final round and six singers and six pianists will compete in the final round.

June 18 and 19 Preliminary Round for 24 pianists Preliminary Round for 24 singers Semi-Finalists announced

June 20 and 21 Semi-Final Round for 12 pianists Semi-Final Round for 12 singers Finalists announced

June 22 Final Round for 6 singers followed by Awards CeremonyJune 23 Final Round for 6 pianists followed by Awards Ceremony

$250,000 of the competition's cash prizes include first place prizes of $50,000. There will be two People's Choice prizes (one for a pianist and one for a singer) of $10,000 voted "live" by attendees of the final competition round.

"We are delighted to announce the first Jose Iturbi International Music Competition that offers the largest prize money for any music competition," said Donelle Dadigan, President of the Jose Iturbi Foundation. "We look forward to an exciting week-long event at UCLA this summer with the world's upcoming, emerging talent engaged in a rigorous life-changing competition."

"The UCLA Department of Music is honored to welcome to our campus The Jose Iturbi International Music Competition," added Ian Krouse, Chairman of UCLA's Music Department.

Created in 1985 by Marion Seabury and Donelle Dadigan, The Jose Iturbi Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to continuing the legacy of concert great Jose Iturbi, and to fulfill his desire of bringing to the public's attention today's greatest emerging talents and prize-winning musicians. The foundation's goal is to globally expand the passion for classical music through dynamic competition and compelling live performance.

One of the greatest concert pianists of his time, Jose Iturbi was a composer, conductor and performer of international acclaim who starred as himself in seven MGM musicals including "Anchors Away" (1945) starring Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. He was the first classical musician to receive a Gold Record representing record sales in excess of one million.

For more information on The Jose Iturbi International Music Competition 2007 or to submit an application, go to www.joseiturbifoundation.org. Ticket requests are available online for the public to attend the final round of the competition on June 22 and 23.